World Cocktail Day is a celebration of mixology, where each drink serves as a passport to its country's culture and history. It acknowledges the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail, May 13, 1806. To celebrate, we invite you to join us on a spirited journey worldwide. From the historic bars of Italy to the sunny beaches of Mexico, discover how local ingredients, traditions, and stories blend into the intoxicating cocktails that have become symbols of national pride and joy.

1. Italy: Negroni – Florence's Bitter-Sweet Symphony

The Negroni, with its perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, encapsulates the essence of Italian sophistication. This iconic cocktail was born out of Count Camillo Negroni's request to strengthen his favourite drink, the Americano, by substituting its soda water with gin. The result was a richer, deeper cocktail that quickly gained fame. 

Historical bars in Florence, such as Caffè Giacosa, claim to be the birthplace of the Negroni, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts. Another notable spot is Locale Firenze, where the traditional recipe is infused with modern flair.

Classic Negroni

Follow these simple steps to create your own Negroni at home:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 part London dry gin

  • 1 part Campari

  • 1 part sweet red vermouth

• Instructions:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.

  • Stir well until the mixture is well chilled.

  • Strain into a glass filled with large ice cubes.

  • Garnish with an orange peel.

  • Serve and enjoy the quintessence of Italian cocktail culture.
    

2. Mexico: Margarita – The Coastal Favourite

The Margarita, a cocktail synonymous with Mexican leisure and festivity, offers a refreshing taste of lime and tequila. Though several stories claim its origin, the Margarita consistently embodies the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture. Beachside bars from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta serve up variations, but for a truly authentic experience, visit La Opera Bar in Mexico City. Known for its classic approach to Mexican cocktails, it offers one of the best traditional Margaritas, revered for its simplicity and balance. Head to the 686 Bar for more contemporary approaches to cocktails, such as the spicy margarita, which they serve with red chilli liquor, yuzu and kefir syrup.

Classic Margarita

Craft your own authentic Margarita with these instructions:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 parts tequila

  • 1 part lime juice

  • 1 part Cointreau or triple sec

• Instructions:

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

  • Add tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau/triple sec to the shaker.

  • Shake vigorously until well chilled.

  • Rim a glass with salt (optional, but traditional).

  • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

  • Garnish with a lime wheel.

  • Serve immediately and enjoy a taste of Mexico's coastal charm.
    

3. Japan: Sake Cocktails – Tradition Meets Modernity

Japan's traditional rice wine, Sake, has found its way into the sophisticated world of cocktails, offering a subtle yet compelling base for mixologists. Tokyo's Bar High Five exemplifies innovation with its Sake cocktails, blending traditional Japanese ingredients with modern techniques to stunning effect. For instance, the Yuzu Sake Martini is a popular choice, highlighting the delicate balance of Sake with the citrusy sharpness of yuzu. This refreshing cocktail is a testament to Japan's culinary precision and creativity. 

We have yet to make it to Japan but we have enjoyed incredible creative mixology classes at MR PORTER Barcelona. If you find yourself in the city, sample a cocktail or two. We were fans of their twist on the Margarita.

Yuzu Sake Martini

Create refreshing Sake cocktail at home to experience a modern twist on traditional Japanese flavours:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 parts Sake

  • A splash of yuzu juice

  • A hint of simple syrup

• Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  • Shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.

  • Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  • Serve immediately and enjoy the delicate balance of Sake with the bright, citrusy notes of yuzu.

4. Peru: Pisco Sour – Peru's National Treasure

The Pisco Sour is a point of national pride in Peru, where the cocktail's frothy top and sharp citrus notes make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The drink combines Pisco, a grape brandy unique to the region, with lime juice, egg white, simple syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters to create its signature taste. Lima's Ayahuasca bar is renowned for its atmospheric setting and authentic Pisco Sours, offering visitors a taste of Peruvian hospitality. Another excellent spot is Amoramar, where the cocktail complements a menu of exquisite local cuisine. 

Classic Pisco Sour

Follow these steps to mix a traditional Pisco Sour at home:

• Ingredients:

  • 3 parts Pisco

  • 1 part lime juice

  • 1 part simple syrup

  • 1 egg white

  • A few dashes of Angostura bitters

• Instructions:

  1. Combine Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.

  2. Add ice to fill the shaker halfway, then seal and shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy.

  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  4. Carefully add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to the foam.

  5. Serve immediately, enjoying a staple of Peruvian celebration.
     
     

5. Spain: Sangria – A Festive Sharing Cocktail

Sangria, the beloved Spanish punch, combines red wine with fresh fruit, a hint of brandy, sugar, and a splash of soda water to create a drink meant for sharing. Sangria is a staple in festivals and gatherings in Spain, embodying Spanish culture's communal and celebratory spirit. El Xampanyet serves traditional Sangria in a lively setting in Barcelona, offering an authentic taste alongside tapas. Terracotta Madrid, a fairly new restaurant that opened last year, offers signature sangria cocktails.

Mix a bottle of medium-bodied red wine with slices of oranges and apples, a couple of tablespoons of sugar, a brandy shot, and soda water for a personal twist on this classic. Let it chill for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld, then serve over ice in a large pitcher for a refreshing treat that captures the essence of Spanish festivity.

Classic Sangria

Prepare this festive Spanish cocktail with the following steps:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of medium-bodied red wine

  • Slices of oranges and apples

  • A couple of tablespoons of sugar

  • 1 shot of brandy

  • Soda water to top

• Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, sliced oranges, and apples.

  2. Add sugar and brandy, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

  3. Top off with soda water to your liking.

  4. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld.

  5. Serve over ice in a large pitcher.

  6. Enjoy this refreshing treat that captures the essence of Spanish festivity.

Each cocktail offers a unique glimpse into the traditions and flavours of its homeland, inviting us to explore the world, one sip at a time. Try mixing one of these iconic cocktails at home or seeking them out during your travels to connect with the local traditions. Alternatively, have a browse through the World’s Best 50 Bars to discover top-rated establishments where these drinks are taken to new heights.